Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – The CPP-NPA in the Visayas region continues to sustain heavy losses, as the terrorist group suffers a series of setbacks in two days following the ceaseless focused military operations of the Visayas Command (VISCOM).
With the intent to sustain its gains while preventing the resurgence of the CPP-NPA in the Visayas region, VISCOM’s focused military operations dealt the terrorist group with heavy losses with a total of two NPA terrorists neutralized and four firearms recovered, following a series of encounters in two days.
On May 22, members of the 79th Infantry Battalion encountered the remnants of the NPA’s dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) in Brgy Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental. Said encounter resulted in the death of one NPA terrorist and the recovery of one M16 Rifle.
Likewise, on May 21, three successive military operations underscored VISCOM’s commitment in sustaining its internal security efforts in the region. This, after the troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) encountered the remnants of the NPA’s dismantled Central Negros 1 (CN1) of Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (KR NCBS) at Sitio Inangaw in Brgy Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, that resulted in the death of Richard Dela Peña alias Rocky, a member of the said terrorist group, and the recovery of one M16 Assault Rifle; several live ammunition; one bandolier and subversive documents.
Later that same day, 62IB in their pursuit operation engaged with the fleeing enemies and recovered one Cal. .38 revolver; several live ammunition; one bandolier; one backpack, and subversive documents.
In a separate operation, troops of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) also seized a NPA arms cache at Brgy Iglilico, San Joaquin, Iloilo containing one M16 Rifle; two Improvised Explosive Devices and several assorted live ammunition.
Lieutenant General Fernando M Reyeg PA, the Commander of VISCOM emphasized, “Our recent success in internal security is a clear manifestation of our firm disposition to never allow the CPP-NPA to regain their foothold in the region and neutralize the few remaining members of the terrorist group. With a sense of urgency, we are determined to end the local communist armed conflict the soonest possible time.”
The heavy losses inflicted on the CPP-NPA over the past two days underscore VISCOM’s commitment to sustaining its efforts, ensuring that peace and stability are restored in the Visayas region.
Lt Gen Reyeg added as he emphasized the broader impact of these recent victories, stating, “The substantial setbacks inflicted on the CPP-NPA over the past two days are a testament to our relentless efforts and strategic acumen. These operations not only neutralized NPA terrorists and disrupted their logistical capabilities but also sent a strong message that we will not relent in our mission. Our troops’ bravery and precision are commendable, and we remain resolute in our commitment to achieving a peaceful and secure Visayas region.”
He concluded by reiterating his call to the remnants of the CPP-NPA in the region to return to the folds of the law, “We will continue to press forward in ensuring that the momentum of our successes is sustained. With such, we call upon the few remaining members of the CPP-NPA to embrace the chance for a peaceful resolution. The armed struggle only perpetuates suffering and hinders our nation’s progress. It is time to lay down your arms and rejoin society, where you will be welcomed and supported in building a better future.”
